Best Raffle Ideas for School Fundraisers in NZ (2026 Guide)
Raffles are one of the most reliable fundraising tools for New Zealand schools. They're simple to organise, easy to promote, and can raise impressive amounts with the right prizes and strategy. Whether you're planning a small classroom raffle or a major school-wide draw, this guide covers everything you need to know about running a successful raffle fundraiser in NZ.
Why Raffles Work for School Fundraisers
Raffles tap into something powerful: the excitement of winning. For a small ticket price, supporters get a chance at a desirable prize, and your school gets much-needed funds. Here's why they're so effective:
Low Barrier to Entry: Raffle tickets are typically $2-$10 each, making them affordable for almost every family. Unlike product fundraisers that require larger purchases, raffles let supporters contribute at any level.
High Profit Margins: When prizes are donated, raffles can achieve 90-100% profit margins. Even with purchased prizes, margins of 60-80% are common, making raffles one of the most profitable fundraising formats.
Community Engagement: Raffles create buzz and excitement. The anticipation of the draw brings people together and gives your school something fun to talk about.
Flexible Format: Raffles work as standalone events or as add-ons to other fundraisers. Run them at school fairs, sports days, end-of-year events, or as independent campaigns.
NZ Legal Requirements for School Raffles
Before planning your raffle, understand the legal framework. In New Zealand, raffles are governed by the Gambling Act 2003:
Class 1 Gambling (No Licence Needed)
Your school raffle qualifies as Class 1 gambling if:
- Total prize value is $500 or less
- Tickets are sold only to participants at the event (not pre-sold)
- The result is determined on the same day tickets are sold
This covers simple raffles at school fairs, sports days, and events.
Class 2 Gambling (No Licence Needed)
For slightly larger raffles:
- Total prize value is $5,000 or less
- The raffle can be promoted in advance
- Tickets can be pre-sold
- Must be run by a society (your school PTA/Board qualifies)
Most school raffles fall into this category.
Class 3 Gambling (Licence Required)
If your total prize value exceeds $5,000, you'll need a Class 3 licence from the Department of Internal Affairs. This is rare for school raffles but worth knowing if you're planning something large.
Key Rules for All School Raffles:
- All proceeds must go to the stated purpose (school fundraising)
- Winners must be drawn fairly (random selection)
- Prizes must be as advertised
- Records should be kept of ticket sales and prize distribution
Best Raffle Prize Ideas for NZ Schools
The right prizes make or break your raffle. Here are proven winners for NZ school communities:
High-Value Prizes (Draw the Crowds)
These are your headline prizes that sell the most tickets:
Experience Prizes:
- Weekend accommodation at a holiday park or bach ($200-500 value)
- Family pass to a local attraction (zoo, theme park, aquarium)
- Restaurant voucher for a popular local restaurant ($100-200)
- Spa or massage voucher ($100-150)
- Family movie pass (10 tickets) from Event Cinemas or Hoyts
- Scenic flight or adventure activity voucher
Technology & Electronics:
- Bluetooth speaker ($50-150)
- Wireless earbuds ($80-200)
- Tablet or e-reader ($200-400)
- Smart watch ($100-300)
Home & Garden:
- BBQ or outdoor furniture piece ($200-500)
- Garden centre voucher ($100-200)
- Quality cookware set ($150-300)
- Outdoor pizza oven ($200-400)
Medium-Value Prizes (Build the Prize Pool)
Food & Drink:
- Gourmet hamper with NZ products ($50-100)
- Local café voucher ($30-50)
- Craft beer or wine selection ($50-80)
- Chocolate gift box ($30-60)
- Coffee machine or premium coffee set ($50-150)
Lifestyle:
- Book bundle from a local bookshop ($50-80)
- Sports equipment (cricket set, rugby ball, etc.)
- Art supplies or craft kit ($40-80)
- Board game collection ($50-100)
Small Prizes (Multiple Winners)
Kid-Friendly:
- LEGO set ($30-60)
- Book voucher ($20-30)
- Movie tickets (pair) ($30-40)
- Ice cream voucher ($10-20)
- Stationery pack ($15-25)
General:
- Plant from a local nursery ($15-30)
- Candle or soap set ($15-30)
- Reusable water bottle or keep cup ($20-40)
- Local honey or jam ($10-20)
How to Source Raffle Prizes
Getting prizes donated is the key to maximising your raffle profits:
Ask Local Businesses
How to Approach Them:
- Write a professional letter on school letterhead
- Explain what your school is raising funds for
- Offer to display their business name/logo at the event
- Mention them in your school newsletter and social media
- Follow up with a phone call or visit
Businesses Most Likely to Donate:
- Cafés and restaurants
- Hair salons and beauty therapists
- Tradies and service providers
- Real estate agents
- Local retailers
- Sports clubs and gyms
- Medical and dental practices
What to Offer in Return:
- Logo displayed on raffle promotional materials
- Mention in school newsletter (reach: X families)
- Social media shout-out
- Certificate of appreciation
- Invitation to school events
Parent Donations
Many parents have skills, products, or connections they can contribute:
- A parent who bakes could donate a custom cake
- A parent who's a photographer could donate a family photo session
- A parent in trades could donate a service voucher
- A parent who makes crafts could donate handmade items
Send a request through your school newsletter asking families if they can contribute a raffle prize.
School-Created Prizes
Get creative with prizes that cost the school very little:
- "Principal for a Day" experience
- Reserved car park for a term
- Extra mufti day passes
- Lunch with a favourite teacher
- First pick of sports equipment for a week
- Naming rights for a school event
These unique school prizes often sell more tickets than expensive products because they're exclusive and fun.
Raffle Ticket Pricing Strategies
Single Ticket Pricing
- $2 per ticket: Best for simple, low-value prize pools. Good for classroom raffles.
- $5 per ticket: Sweet spot for most school raffles. Affordable enough for bulk buying.
- $10 per ticket: For premium prize pools with high-value items.
- $20 per ticket: Only for exceptional prize pools (e.g., travel packages, electronics bundles).
Bundle Pricing (Recommended)
Bundles significantly increase average spend:
- $2 each or 3 for $5: Standard option
- $5 each or 3 for $10: Premium option
- $10 each or 3 for $25: High-value option
Bundle pricing typically increases total sales by 20-30% compared to single-ticket pricing.
How Many Tickets to Print
Formula: Aim to sell 3-5x the total prize value in tickets.
Example:
- Prize pool value: $500
- Target ticket sales: $1,500-$2,500
- At $5 per ticket: Print 300-500 tickets
- Expected profit: $1,000-$2,000
Creative Raffle Formats
Traditional Draw Raffle
The classic format. Sell numbered tickets, draw winners at a set time.
Best for: School fairs, end-of-year events, standalone campaigns
Silent Raffle
Display prizes with numbered containers. Buyers place tickets in the container of the prize they want to win.
Best for: Events where you want people browsing prizes, school fairs
Reverse Raffle
All ticket numbers are drawn out one by one. The LAST number remaining wins the grand prize. Creates exciting tension.
Best for: Adult events (quiz nights, galas), PTA fundraisers
Online Raffle
Sell tickets online through your school's fundraising platform. Draw winner via live stream.
Best for: Reaching extended family, running during school holidays, digital-first communities
Multi-Draw Raffle
Multiple draws throughout an event. Smaller prizes drawn regularly, building to the grand prize at the end.
Best for: School fairs, sports days, keeping energy high at long events
Heads or Tails
Everyone stands. Flip a coin - choose heads or tails. Wrong guess sits down. Last person standing wins.
Best for: Quick entertainment at events, works with any group size
Running Your Raffle: Step-by-Step
4-6 Weeks Before
- Form raffle committee (2-3 parents/staff)
- Set fundraising goal
- Begin sourcing prizes from local businesses
- Design tickets (include: school name, prize details, price, draw date)
- Order or print tickets
2-3 Weeks Before
- Finalise prize pool
- Begin promoting through newsletter and social media
- Distribute tickets to classrooms for students to sell
- Set up online ticket sales if applicable
- Create promotional materials (posters, social media graphics)
1 Week Before
- Send reminder emails to families
- Count pre-sold tickets
- Prepare for draw day logistics
- Confirm all prizes are collected and stored safely
- Final social media push
Draw Day
- Display all prizes prominently
- Sell remaining tickets at the event
- Draw winners publicly and fairly
- Photograph winners with prizes
- Thank all supporters and prize donors
After the Draw
- Announce winners via newsletter/social media
- Send thank you letters to prize donors
- Share total raised and what it will fund
- Keep records for future reference
Tips for Maximising Raffle Revenue
Display Prizes Visually: At events, arrange prizes attractively where everyone can see them. Visual displays sell more tickets than written lists.
Create Urgency: "Only 50 tickets left!" or "Draw in 30 minutes!" motivates fence-sitters.
Use Social Proof: "We've already sold 200 tickets!" shows momentum and encourages others to join in.
Sell at Multiple Touchpoints: Don't just sell at one location. Have roaming sellers, a table at the entrance, and a station near the prizes.
Leverage Kids: When students enthusiastically sell tickets to family members, participation rates soar. Give each class a batch of tickets to sell.
Combine with Events: Raffles at school fairs, quiz nights, and sports days benefit from the captured audience.
Online Raffle Tips
Running your raffle online extends your reach beyond the school gate:
- Use a platform like Raised to sell tickets digitally
- Share the link via email, social media, and messaging apps
- Grandparents and extended family can participate from anywhere in NZ
- Live stream the draw on Facebook for transparency and excitement
- Accept online payments to eliminate cash handling
Common Raffle Mistakes to Avoid
Not Enough Prizes: A single grand prize sells fewer tickets than a pool of 10+ prizes. Multiple prizes mean more winners, more excitement, and more tickets sold.
Overpricing Tickets: If tickets are too expensive, people buy fewer. Better to sell more tickets at a lower price point.
Poor Promotion: A great prize pool means nothing if people don't know about it. Promote heavily across all channels.
Late Prize Sourcing: Start approaching businesses 6+ weeks before your event. Last-minute requests get fewer donations.
No Clear Purpose: Tell people exactly what funds will support. "New playground equipment" sells more tickets than "school funds."
Combining Raffles with Other Fundraisers
Raffles work brilliantly alongside other fundraising activities:
- School Fair + Raffle: The fair draws the crowd, the raffle maximises revenue
- Product Fundraiser + Raffle: Run a chocolate fundraiser alongside a raffle for double impact
- Fun Run + Raffle: Add a raffle draw at the end of your colour run event
- Quiz Night + Raffle: Sell raffle tickets between quiz rounds
Browse our complete fundraising ideas directory for more ideas to pair with your raffle, or check out our guide to easy fundraising ideas for simple options that complement raffle events.
The Bottom Line
Raffles are a proven, profitable, and fun way to fundraise for NZ schools. The keys to success are:
- Source donated prizes to maximise profit margins
- Follow NZ gambling regulations (most school raffles are Class 2)
- Price tickets affordably with bundle options
- Promote heavily across multiple channels
- Display prizes attractively and create excitement
- Thank donors and share results
With the right prizes and promotion, a school raffle can easily raise $500-$5,000+. Start planning your next raffle today and watch the community rally behind your school.